EDUCATION AWARDS 2018: Dramatic and deep impressions from Act II and poet Callum

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards made room for both the traditional and inventive on Thursday night.

Youngsters from Act II Theatre Company presented a short history of education from the start of civilisation through to the National Curriculum and Ofsted.

Then inspirational speaker, autistic Spalding performance poet Callum Brazzo, followed talks at awards events by describing his own "really difficult" educational journey.

Callum also urged people to "go beyond superficial awareness towards integrating autistic people into the community".

He said: "I'm a firm believer that knowing where you've been can show you where you can go.

"I had a really difficult time trying to find myself and educate myself.

"But through positive people and the right experiences over time, I learned to channel my emotions and find myself.

"I'm a completely different person now as I've learned what autism is and it feels good to be able to say 'I am autistic'".